Crowds gathered in Blackburn as residents and the council showed their support and called for an end to all violence in Israel and Gaza.
Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum and the council invited residents to the peace vigil in the square outside the town hall yesterday (October 20) after Hamas launched an attack in Israel on October 7, killing hundreds of civilians.
A strong turnout was observed despite the cold and wet weather, with passionate statements from leaders and outbursts from members of the crowd heard during the vigil from 5.30pm to 6pm.
Abdul Kheratkar, Chair of BwD Interfaith Forum, called for a ceasefire and to allow a safe passage for aid to reach Palestinians without food, water, electricity, medical supplies and other essentials.
Speaking at the vigil, Mr Kheratkar said: “The targeting of innocent civilians can never ever be excused or justified.
“We ask the simple question, to our government and all those across the political spectrum, where has your humanity gone? And why has it suddenly disappeared when Palestine is on the agenda?
“Let your conscience wake you up and do the honourable thing. All life is valuable no matter what creed, colour or faith. Nothing comes from violence or hatred. We pray for lasting peace for everyone.”
Council chief executive Denise Park read out a statement from Rabbi Arnold Saunders, saying: “I join with you in grieving for the innocent victims on both sides of conflict, praying for the injured, bereaved and captives, and all who are suffering as well as praying for peace. The god of Abraham, bless you all.”
Since the attack two weeks ago, thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have been killed or injured - many civilians - with thousands more displaced by the violence, which has seen further attacks in Israel and an airstrike on a hospital in Gaza.
Christian representative, Derek Estill, Secretary of BwD Interfaith Forum, Buddhist representative, Richard Foster, of BwD Interfaith Forum and Sikh representative Joginder Bhamra, BwD Interfaith Forum also expressed their ‘deepest concerns’ over the ongoing war.
Canon Reverend James Lawrence, from Blackburn Cathedral, then led the people into a period of silence and prayer. He said: “We are heartbroken by the violence and the bloodshed, and the pain that has been unleashed since October 7.”
Council leader Cllr Phil Riley and Ms Park thanked everyone for attending “as we look in solidarity and hope for peace.”
Cllr Phil Riley said: "The council along with the Inter Faith Forum wanted to offer the opportunity to residents to meet in a peaceful environment and remember the tragic events that are unfolding in Israel and Gaza and the indiscriminate loss of life.
"Members from the different faiths in our diverse town offered prayers and a period of silence was observed.
"The council would like to thank the residents who turned out in the rain to show their solidarity with people suffering in the Middle East."
The peace vigil comes after a pro-Palestine demonstration was held in Blackburn last weekend, with hundreds in attendance.
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